If you want to know what the stars say about you, check out your birth chart (also known as your “natal chart“), which is the cosmic map of your soul. Imagine you’re an explorer on your life’s journey, and your birth chart is the map that shows what direction you’re heading in as well as what strengths you’ll discover. Your birth chart might look complicated at first, but don’t worry! We’ll break it down and make it easy to understand, step by step.

If you don’t have your birth chart yet, try our Free Birth Chart Calculator – which also comes with a free birth chart analysis!

What is a Birth Chart?

A birth chart is a “snapshot” of the sky when you were born. It shows where the planets, the Sun and Moon are in the zodiac signs and houses. The positions of the planets show what is your story, why do you react the way you do and what is your adventure.

Your birth chart is like a treasure map showing your personality, talents, challenges, and important journeys in life. Using a birth chart can better help your understanding of yourself and how you fit in the world.

Step 1: Understand the Zodiac Signs

There are 12 zodiac signs and each zodiac sign carries its own energy. These signs have meanings of different types of personalities, or styles of doing things. Here’s a quick rundown of what each sign represents:

• Aries: Bold, energetic, and loves a challenge
• Taurus: Calm, reliable, and enjoys comfort
• Gemini: Curious, talkative, and loves variety
• Cancer: Caring, emotional, and protective
• Leo: Confident, creative, and loves attention
• Virgo: Practical, detail-oriented, and helpful
• Libra: Balanced, charming, and peace-loving
• Scorpio: Intense, mysterious, and passionate
• Sagittarius: Adventurous, free-spirited, and optimistic
• Capricorn: Ambitious, disciplined, and responsible
• Aquarius: Independent, innovative, and unique
• Pisces: Dreamy, empathetic, and artistic

In your birth chart, each of these zodiac signs is linked to one of the twelve astrological houses, representing different areas of life. Before we move on to that part, keep in mind that the planets in these signs will shape your personality & behaviors.

Step 2: Find Your Sun Sign

Your Sun sign is the most important sign in your chart. This is the sign that most people are familiar with in horoscopes. The Sun symbolizes your internal being, identity, and the way you showcase yourself to the world.

For example, If you were born between March 21 and April 19, you would be an Aries (meaning that your Sun sign is Aries)! You are likely to be brave, energetic, or sometimes impulsive.

In order to know your Sun sign, simply check where the Sun was at the time of your birth. This sign will give you the “big picture” of who you are.

To better understand what each Sun sign represents, check out this article.

Step 3: Check Your Moon Sign

Your Moon sign shows how you feel deep down inside. It represents your emotions, instincts, and intuitive reactions that come out when you are not consciously thinking. Since the Moon travels through the zodiac quickly, it changes signs every 2~3 days. This indicates that your Moon sign may be different from your Sun sign.

For instance, if your Moon is in Cancer, you are likely to be more sensitive, caring and security-seeking than others. The Moon tells how you nurture yourself and how you like to feel safe and loved.

To better understand what each Moon sign would mean, check out this article.

Step 4: Find Your Rising Sign (Ascendant)

Your Rising sign (also known as your “Ascendant”), is like “the mask” that you wear when you first meet people. It’s the first impression you make on others. It’s not about how you feel inside (like the Moon), but it is rather what you show to the world.

Your rising sign changes every two hours, so you need to know your exact time of birth to find it out. Say your Rising sign is Libra, then people might see you as friendly, diplomatic, and someone who likes harmony.

To better understand what each rising sign indicates, check out this article.

Step 5: The Planets and Their Meaning

The planets in your birth chart relate to various parts of your life and how you interact with others/the world. Here’s what each planet represents:

• Mercury: How you think and communicate
• Venus: How you love and what you value
• Mars: How you take action and your energy levels
• Jupiter: Your luck, growth, and philosophy of life
• Saturn: Your discipline, boundaries, and responsibilities
• Uranus: Your originality and desire for change
• Neptune: Your dreams, intuition, and spirituality
• Pluto: Your transformation and power

In your birth chart, each planet will be in one of the 12 zodiac signs. And the sign it’s in describes how that planet’s energy shows up in your life.

Step 6: The Houses in Your Birth Chart

Your birth chart is divided into 12 houses that represent different areas of your life. Take the houses as the “rooms” in a real-world office, and the planets in those “rooms” show how we experience certain parts of life. Here’s a quick guide about those areas:

• 1st House: How you present yourself (your Rising sign)
• 2nd House: Money, values, and possessions
• 3rd House: Communication and learning
• 4th House: Home and family
• 5th House: Creativity and romance
• 6th House: Work, health, and daily routines
• 7th House: Relationships and partnerships
• 8th House: Transformation and shared resources
• 9th House: Travel, philosophy, and higher education
• 10th House: Career and public image
• 11th House: Goals and friendships
• 12th House: Secrets, spirituality, and the unconscious mind

The planets’ positions in these houses indicate where your life is more energetic and active.

Step 7: Aspects – How the Planets Connect with Each Other

Last but not the least, aspects are the “angles” between planets in your birth chart. The angles indicate how planets function together.

For instance, when two planets are in conjunction (0°), it means that they work closely together and often amplify each other’s energy. However, if they are square (90°) to each other, it indicates tension or challenges between them.

These aspects add more depth, variation, and complexity to your chart!

Conclusion: Your Birth Chart as a Cosmic Roadmap

You can view your birth chart as a guidebook to your soul. Understanding your Sun sign, Moon sign, Rising sign, planets, and houses gives you an insight into your personality and motivations. Your birth chart helps you make better decisions, understand your emotions, and find your path in life.

Remember, you have a unique birth chart made just for you, that has hidden gems. The deeper you go, the more you’ll discover who you really are. So take your time, explore each part, and enjoy the cosmic adventure! 🌟

Finally, don’t forget to use our free tool to obtain your birth chart & get your astrological facts!